Washington residents can now recycle fluorescent lights and other mercury-containing lights for free at 130 sites throughout the state, with more being added in the months ahead.

LightRecycle Washington collection sites will take traditional fluorescent tubes (including straight, curved and circular), the twisty compact fluorescent lights and high-intensity-discharge lights, commonly used in outdoor lighting fixtures. The program does not accept lighting fixtures or ballasts.

Individuals and businesses can drop off lights for recycling, although there is a limit of 10 lights per day.

Toy donations will be accepted at Bartell Drugs locations in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties. The Issaquah Bartell is at 5700 E. Lake Sammamish Parkway S.E. Toys will be distributed to low-income children and youths the week before Christmas through the Salvation Army’s “toy warehouses.”

Last year’s flu season affected an alarming number of people, and experts predict this year’s flu season could strike as early as October. That’s why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local physicians recommend families protect themselves now with the 2013 influenza vaccine.

Local AFC/Doctors Express and American Family Care facilities are stocking up on flu vaccines and will have them available throughout the flu season. No appointment is required and patients may walk in for a flu shot at their convenience.

Through Aug. 31, Bartell Drugs stores welcome donations of schools supplies for their 10th annual “School Tools for Kids in Need.” The drive supports students in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties through World Vision’s Teacher Resource Center in Fife.

The school supplies help restock the center, where teachers with students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch programs “shop” free of charge for school supplies to meet students’ needs.

As many as 58,000 local students begin the school year without basic school supplies, according to World Vision.

Bartell Drugs and Salvation Army’s Toy ‘n’ Joy drive through Dec. 14, accepts new, unwrapped gifts for children up to age 14, or shoppers can chose a gift request tag item in the store and put it in the donation barrel in the store. The Issaquah Bartell is at 5700 E. Lake Sammamish Parkway S.E. Learn more at www.bartelldrugs.com.

Toys for Troops seeks donations for Christmas presents for children of service members. Drop off donations through Dec. 15 at the Issaquah Police Station, 130 E. Sunset Way, or make financial donations at www.operationbaldeagle.org.